Dermatology services on the Isle of Wight will not be moving to the mainland and will stay on the Island, it has been confirmed to the County Press.

The NHS department, which provides care for people with skin complaints, has been delivered by the award-winning Lighthouse Clinic, Newport since 2016.

There had been fears it was being moved to Portsmouth, as part of a merger between the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU).

Patients reported that appointments had stopped, sparking speculation of a mainland move. In response, a petition was also launched.

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However, it has been confirmed this is not the case and disruption was a result of PHU signing a subcontract with the Lighthouse Clinic.

It means the service will remain in its current location, at 62 Crocker Street, and will continue to be delivered on the Island.

Natalie Borman, divisional director for networked services, said: “We have been working closely with Lighthouse Medical Ltd to ensure the service will continue to operate from the same locations and by the same staff.

“We apologise for any disruption that patients have faced during this transition and are contacting anyone we are aware of who may have been affected.

Isle of Wight County Press:

"We want to assure everyone that dermatology services are remaining on the Isle of Wight and GPs and patients will be able to book appointments in the same way as before.

"We are delighted by the partnership and are both looking forward to working together for the people of the Isle of Wight.”